Wade Wilson’s First Movie Appearance: Why It’s Not As Bad as Deadpool Thinks

‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ has been a box office triumph, with glowing reviews and record-breaking numbers. This success is particularly striking given the rocky start of these characters’ shared film history. Ryan Reynolds first portrayed Wade Wilson in 2009’s ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine,’ a spin-off focused on Hugh Jackman’s Logan. 

While the film’s earlier X-Men entries were well-received, ‘Origins’ was criticized as a low point in the franchise. Its depiction of Deadpool, especially, was panned, a sentiment Reynolds has echoed in his own ‘Deadpool’ films.

Also Read: ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Review: Can This Bromance Save The MCU?

Wade Wilson First Appearance
Image Courtesy: People

In ‘Origins’ Reynolds’ Wade Wilson is introduced as part of Team X, led by Major William Stryker and includes a character named Weapon XI, a superpowered assassin with a sealed mouth— a drastic departure from the comic’s wisecracking Deadpool. The film’s portrayal of Deadpool drew ire for silencing his signature humour, a major element of his appeal.

Despite these issues, Reynolds’ performance in ‘Origins’ hinted at his potential as Deadpool. His charisma and the few scenes where he exhibited the character’s traits showed promise. The ‘Deadpool’ films have since embraced and mocked this misstep, using it to fuel their self-aware humour and meta-commentary. The connection between Reynolds’ Wade and Jackman’s Logan, established in ‘Origins’ adds depth to their onscreen dynamic in the newer films, underscoring the significance of their cinematic history despite its rocky start.

–Farheen Ali

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